asceticism

noun

as·​cet·​i·​cism ə-ˈse-tə-ˌsi-zəm How to pronounce asceticism (audio)
1
: the practice of strict self-denial as a measure of personal and especially spiritual discipline : the condition, practice, or mode of life of an ascetic : rigorous abstention from self-indulgence
Sacrifice, renunciation, asceticism, fasting, returning again to God … : these are inclinations fueled as much by instinct as by religious idealism.Joyce Carol Oates
Crossing the Atlantic in a small sailboat is an exercise in asceticism, a test of what the human psyche can do without.Sarah Ballard
2
: austerity in appearance, manner, or attitude
His neatly trimmed white beard and runner's physique suggest the asceticism of a mathematics professor, while his questioning mind signals a mistrust of surface impressions.Bruce Schoenfeld
In contrast to the chaste asceticism of earlier modernist office towers, the AT&T Building incorporated traditional symbols of imperial power (Roman vaults and arches), prestige (a Chippendale-inspired silhouette), and old money (a huge golden statue in the lobby, which once stood on top of the old AT&T Building).Witold Rybczynski

Examples of asceticism in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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And, for a population just one generation removed from near-universal poverty, Western celebrations of India’s mystical asceticism hold little appeal. Peter Martin, Foreign Affairs, 15 Apr. 2015 Louise tells tales of drunkenness, asceticism, death. Yiyun Li, Harper's Magazine, 23 Sep. 2024 The Buddha’s first sermon also described the Middle Way: a balance between the extremes of asceticism and indulgence. Shayla Love, The Atlantic, 30 Sep. 2024 Related Articles The store’s interior design is in the direction of minimalist asceticism, though warm elements add balance. Alexa Tietjen, WWD, 13 Sep. 2024 See all Example Sentences for asceticism 

Word History

First Known Use

1646, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of asceticism was in 1646

Dictionary Entries Near asceticism

Cite this Entry

“Asceticism.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/asceticism. Accessed 24 Dec. 2024.

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